bas-relief
- A French term meaning "low-raised work." This art,
along with high
relief, is known collectively as reliefsculpture -- meant to be seen
primarily from one direction -- as opposed to sculpture which
is in the round or full round. (pr. bah'ruh-leef')

Michelangelo Buonarroti (Italian, 1475-1564),
Madonna of the Stairs, 1489-92, marble bas-relief, 21 3/4 x 15 3/4 inches
(height 55.5 cm), Casa Buonarroti, Florence. Probably the earliest
of his sculptures to survive, Michelangelo conceived and executed
this bas-relief when he was between fourteen and seventeen years
old. Also see Renaissance.